Security Council backs new round of Polisario-Morocco talks

SPS30/04/2016 - 15:05

Washington (United States), April 30, 2016 (SPS) - UN Security Council called Friday on the Polisario Front and Morocco to start a new round of negotiations, reiterating its support to the efforts made by Ban Ki-moon's special envoy for Western Sahara, for the settlement of the conflict.

In the resolution it adopted Friday, extending the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) by one year, the Security Council stresses the importance of carrying on preparation for a fifth round of talks on the final status of Western Sahara.

The negotiations should be conducted under the aegis of the UN secretary-general in order to reach a mutually acceptable solution, allowing Saharawi people to exert their right to self-determination.

The UN chief, according to the resolution, will have to present to the Security Council at least to reports a year to inform it about how the negotiations are going.

The Security Council reiterated its support to the efforts of the UN mediator and called for restarting meetings and contacts to facilitate the talks.

It expressed satisfaction with the latest initiatives and consultations with the region's countries.

Security Council's support to Ban Ki-moon's special envoy for Western Sahara, Christopher Ross, will give a fresh impetus to his efforts following Morocco's attempts to hinder the talks. (SPS)